A young footballing talent, Chema Andres, has shared an incredible story about his early days in the Real Madrid youth academy. His journey, which began on the fields of Madrid, has now led him to the heart of Stuttgart's midfield, but it's his time with Xabi Alonso that left an indelible mark.
The Legend's First Goal as a Coach
Chema Andres, now a rising star in the Bundesliga, recalls his time at the Madrid academy in 2018 when he was just 13. It was here that he met Xabi Alonso, the legendary Liverpool midfielder turned coach. In an interview, Chema revealed that he had the honor of scoring the very first goal under Alonso's coaching, a moment that marked the beginning of a spectacular coaching career.
But it wasn't just the goal that made an impression. Chema described the training sessions as "spectacular," with Alonso's dedication to perfecting his passes and long balls standing out. "He would stay behind after training to practice with the goalkeepers, and his precision was unmatched. It was an incredible experience to learn from such a legend," Chema shared.
A Smooth Transition to Stuttgart
Fast forward to the present, and Chema has made a seamless transition to Stuttgart. After making his senior debut for Madrid earlier this year, he chose Stuttgart for its commitment to youth talent. "They believe in giving young players a chance, and that's exactly what I needed," he explained. His performances have been impressive, earning him trust from the management and a place in the starting lineup.
However, the language barrier has been a challenge. Chema admits that learning German is the toughest part of his adaptation. "I'm lucky to speak English well, but I want to learn German too. It's a difficult language, but I'm determined to master it," he said with a laugh.
The Madrid Legacy and Future Goals
Despite his move abroad, Chema's connection to Los Blancos remains strong. He clarified that his decision to join Stuttgart wasn't driven by frustration, but rather a desire for more playing time. The Club World Cup experience played a role, but it was a decision he made carefully. "I wanted to make sure I was ready," he added.
His mentors have played a crucial role in his development, from Raul and Alvaro Arbeloa in the academy to Lucas Vazquez and Thibaut Courtois when he trained with the first team. Chema also credits his grandfather, who attended almost every match during his youth, as a key figure in his life.
Looking ahead, Chema's goals are straightforward: more playing time with Stuttgart, regular appearances with Spain's Under 21s, and continuous improvement. As for the senior national team, he's not thinking about it just yet. "I'm focused on my current journey and want to make the most of every opportunity," he concluded.
And so, Chema Andres' story continues, with each chapter adding to the narrative of a young footballer's rise to the top.
